The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues most tax refunds within 21 days for those who filed online and used direct deposit. However, this time frame is not guaranteed. To check the status of your refund, you can use the IRS online tool called “Where’s My Refund?” You will need to enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount on your return.
The tool will show you one of three statuses: return received, refund approved, or refund sent. According to the IRS refund schedule for 2025, if your taxes were electronically filed and accepted by April 7, you may expect a direct deposit refund by April 28 or a paper check by June 6. If your taxes were filed and accepted by April 15, you may expect a direct deposit by May 6 or a paper check by June 16.
Most states also have online portals for tracking income tax returns. These portals typically allow you to check the status of your state refund about four weeks after filing an electronic return and up to 12 weeks for a paper return.
Irs issues refund timing update
You will generally need to enter your Social Security number and other required information to receive a status update. If you filed a complete and accurate return, you are likely to receive your 2024 tax refund within 21 days. For example, if you filed on April 1, 2025, your refund might be available by April 22, 2025.
However, this is only possible if you qualify for a refund. Some individuals have a tax liability that precludes them from receiving a refund. Any errors or mistakes may cause delays because the IRS will need to review the return thoroughly.
If your refund is delayed, wait about five business days after seeing the “sent” date on your tax refund status before contacting the IRS. Taxpayers who filed their return after April 10 may not receive their refund until May. Delays could cause financial hardship, so it is important not to rely on the refund money to meet immediate financial obligations.
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